LUXOR HIGHLIGHTS:

The Theban necropolis (on the West Bank of the Nile) including the Valley of the Kings, Queens, Nobles, and Architects where are buried marvels up to 5000 years old (Tumbs of Tutankhamun, Ramesses, Seti, Amenophis …)

The many temples located around the West Bank: The Giant Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut’s Temple, The Ramesseum, Workers village, The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III

Two temples within the east side of the city (Karnak 2 km north of the city, Luxor in the center)

The Nile, its strength, sails on felucca, sunset over the river, admiring nature and birdwatch.

The suk (easy access from the corniche)

The kindness of the inhabitants of Luxor

Great restaurant quality (variety and choice)

Us!

SECURITY

The tourist police is present at every street corner and visiting temples throughout Egypt, even on the Nile.

PROCEDURES

The visa (25 €) within one week from the consulates of Egypt in France or in Egypt at the airport (about 15 €, buy stamps at the airport upon your arrival). You can pay in foreign currency and the change will be given back in Egyptian pounds. This formula is easier and more economical.
The visa is valid for one month, and the passport must be valid six months after the departure date.

CURRENCY

The Egyptian pound (EGP). approx 1 euro, 8 LE
ATMs are scarce. The credit card is useful, in general, only to withdraw money.
It is better to have some cash when you leave to change them at the exchange office. (This avoids bank charges during ATM withdrawal, usually 3% of the amount of your withdrawal, there are differences depending on the bank.)
Bureau de Change / Exchange are common.
In general, banks are open from 9 am to 14 pm daily except Friday which is the equivalent of our Sunday, but you probably won’t have to use them during your stay. Public offices ands administrative buildings are also closed on this day.

ELECTRICITY

220 V. The sockets are the same as in France. UK/US: adapters needed.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required.
Take antidiarrheal, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and scarf, linen long sleeve shirts are recommended and light trousers rather than shorts, in order to avoid burning the skin.
Dress rather long than short women especially, for peace and respect for the country you visit.

All restaurants have air conditioned and / or fans.

FESTIVAL

The Muled is a Muslim fete which celebratesApproximately 3 weeks before Ramadan the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Muled el Nabi), there are also dedicated to different muled ‘saints’ of religion, most notably in Egypt: El Hussein in Cairo and Abu Haggag in luxor

National Day is the 6th of October.

The Opet festival was one of the most sumptuous processions on water which was held in Karnak. It started under the reign of Hatshepsut, the procession continued until the twenty-fifth dynasty.
She celebrated the visit of the god Amon, from the Temple of Luxor to the temple of Karnak .
In Karnak reliefs illustrate the moves of the boat from Karnak to Luxor and the ceremonies that took place outside the temples.
While a procession of priests carrying the sacred boats to the Nile, dancers, singers, acrobats, musicians enlivened the party before the local population.
Even today, there is a survival of the festival of Opet around the Muslim festival of Abu Haggag, celebrated annually in Luxor: The festivities culminate in a procession of small boats walked in procession around the walls of Luxor Temple.

In families, the day before, charity meals are organized, women prepare as usual Egyptian kebabs, herbs and minced meat.
Stalls are installed around the mosque, with plenty to eat and drink, children’s toys, rides etc …
Young people from 7 to 20 years rent camels, horses, carriages to follow the procession.
The city is full, people come from all over Egypt, North meets South on Abu Hagag day.

Enjoy Luxor at your own pace, personnalise your holiday to spend the time you need in this wonderful city, to seeall the wonders it has to offer, staying on the West Bank, peaceful local life close to most Ancient Egypt major sites.